Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Motorola Edge 40 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2023-09-14 | Motorola is significantly newer, likely with updated features and software. |
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 159.6 × 72 × 7.9 mm | Red Magic 6 is larger and bulkier, Edge 40 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 220g | 170g | Edge 40 Neo is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | Red Magic 6 offers slightly more screen real estate for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness for everyday tasks and media consumption. |
| PPI | 387 | 402 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Similar display quality, vibrant colors and deep blacks on both |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 144Hz | Red Magic 6 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Edge 40 Neo is significantly brighter, ensuring visibility in direct sunlight. The brightness of the Red Magic 6 is unknown, which is a significant downside. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 888 was a flagship chipset in 2021, while the Dimensity 7030 is a mid-range chip. The Red Magic 6 is likely to have better peak performance for gaming, while the Edge 40 Neo has a more efficient processor with modern architecture. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 527,666 | Edge 40 Neo's benchmark score indicates decent performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Lack of score for Red Magic 6 makes direct comparison difficult |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 660 is a high-end GPU for gaming, Mali G610 MC3 is mid-range; Red Magic 6's graphics are expected to be more powerful for demanding games |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 5000 mAh | Edge 40 Neo has a significantly larger battery; Red Magic 6 battery is unknown, a major drawback |
| Charging | Standard charging | 68W fast charging | Edge 40 Neo supports fast charging, allowing for quicker recharges; Red Magic 6 charging capabilities are unknown |
| Features | Standard features | Non-removable | Edge 40 Neo's battery is non-removable, which is typical for modern smartphones. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm) | Edge 40 Neo has a high-resolution primary sensor for detailed photos. The Red Magic 6's primary camera is unknown. |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 32MP (f/2.4, 0.70µm) | Edge 40 Neo has a high-resolution front camera for detailed selfies and video calls. The Red Magic 6 selfie camera is unknown |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | N/A | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Edge 40 Neo has a versatile ultrawide camera for landscapes and macro shots. The Red Magic 6 Wide Angle + Macro camera is unknown |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, No stabilization | 4K@30fps, 1080p@240fps, EIS | Red Magic 6 supports higher 8K video resolution but lacks stabilization, while Edge 40 Neo offers smoother footage via EIS; Edge 40 Neo has slow motion at 240fps, Red Magic 6 doesn't. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main score: 103, Photo: 102, Video: 116 | Edge 40 Neo's camera has been tested and rated. Red Magic 6 does not have a tested camera and scores. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Edge 40 Neo has many modern features, whilst no information on the Red Magic 6 camera features. | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Edge 40 Neo has a more up-to-date Android version with potential for further updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | N/A | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6), Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Edge 40 Neo has modern Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds. Red Magic 6 has an unknown Wi-Fi version |
| Bluetooth | N/A | 5.4 LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Edge 40 Neo has a modern Bluetooth version for improved audio and connectivity. Red Magic 6 has an unknown Bluetooth version |
| GPS | N/A | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Edge 40 Neo has more accurate location services through multiple satellite systems. Red Magic 6's GPS capability is unknown. |
| SIM | N/A | Dual SIM, eSIM | Edge 40 Neo supports dual SIM cards and eSIM functionality. Red Magic 6's SIM capabilities are unknown |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 256 GB | Edge 40 Neo offers ample storage. Red Magic 6's storage is unknown. |
| RAM | N/A | 8GB or 12GB | Edge 40 Neo is well equipped for multitasking. Red Magic 6's RAM is unknown. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Edge 40 Neo has superior sound output, good for media consumption |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint sensor biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge 40 Neo's display is more scratch resistant and protected, the Red Magic 6 screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Light sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge 40 Neo has a comprehensive sensor suite for advanced functionality. Red Magic 6 sensor info is not available. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Potentially Superior Gaming Performance: The Snapdragon 888 was a flagship chip at the time of its release and the Adreno 660 GPU is more powerful than the Motorola.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz display may provide smoother visuals than the Motorola, appealing to gamers.
- Higher Resolution Video Recording: Offers 8K video recording capability, while the Motorola is capped at 4K.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Advantages:
- Modern Design and Build: Significantly lighter and thinner, easier to handle, and with better screen protection.
- Superior Display Brightness: 1300 nits brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
- Better Battery and Charging: A large battery coupled with 68W fast charging.
- More Modern OS: Comes with Android 13 and is upgradeable to 15, offering the latest software features and security.
- Better Camera System: Includes a capable 50MP main sensor, 32MP selfie camera, and 13MP ultrawide/macro lens with EIS, OIS and modern features.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and multiple GPS systems.
- Better Audio: Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos
- More Sensors: Full range of proximity and motion sensors for advanced functionality
Significant Trade-offs:
- Red Magic 6: Unknown battery capacity and charging capabilities; lacks a tested camera, and brightness. The age of the phone also means software updates may be limited
- Edge 40 Neo: Its chipset is not as powerful as the Red Magic 6's, potentially limiting performance in the most demanding games.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore Gamers: Prioritize raw processing power and high refresh rate for gaming, willing to compromise on other aspects.
- Video Content Creators: May appreciate the 8K video recording option.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: If this phone is significantly discounted, might be a good option, but with a clear understanding of its limitations
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 40 Neo:
- Everyday Users: Value a good all-round phone with a balance of features, including modern design, excellent display, good camera, and long battery life.
- Casual Gamers: Plays some games, but does not require top-tier performance.
- Mobile Photographers: Want a versatile camera system for various photography scenarios.
- Users who value software and security updates. This is an important factor if you want to be up to date with security and features.
- Users who want a reliable phone with all modern features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Red Magic 6: Competitive gaming, 8K video shooting.
- Edge 40 Neo: Daily smartphone use, photography, mobile entertainment, social media browsing, and light gaming.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is peak gaming performance? If you are a hardcore gamer, the Red Magic 6 might appeal, but the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is more suitable for casual gaming.
- How important are modern software and features? The Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a newer Android OS, better camera features, and the most modern connectivity options.
- What is your budget and tolerance for compromises? The Red Magic 6 is an older phone, and that might mean a lower cost, but it has compromises with unknown battery, camera, and display performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming: If you want maximum frame rates on demanding games and value higher refresh rate and are okay with compromises, consider the Red Magic 6. However, be aware that the phone has limited information on features.
- Scenario 2: Well-Rounded Smartphone Experience: Choose the Motorola Edge 40 Neo for its balanced feature set, modern design, excellent display brightness, great camera features, modern software, and reliable battery life.
- Scenario 3: Budget Focused: If you have a tight budget, and the Red Magic 6 is considerably cheaper and you do not require modern features or software, this may be a compromise.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Neo.
Here's why:
- Balanced Experience: As an everyday user, I prioritize a well-rounded phone that is good for everything, not just one specific task. The Edge 40 Neo offers this with a modern design, great display, a modern camera system and good battery life.
- Usability: The Edge 40 Neo's lighter design, brighter screen, and fast charging are incredibly valuable for daily use, these are features I value much more than 8k video or peak gaming performance.
- Modern Software & Features: The promise of Android 13 (with an upgrade to Android 15) ensures I get the latest software features and security updates for years to come.
- Camera: I prefer the versatility of a camera with more features and a tested camera sensor with an excellent rating and a modern range of modes and functionalities, including OIS, EIS, slow motion.
- Overall Reliability: With a large battery, fast charging and known specifications, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo offers a more reliable user experience compared to the Red Magic 6, which has many unknown specifications.
- Better audio: Stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos provide a better experience for content consumption.
- Connectivity: Having more modern connectivity options is a great plus in terms of efficiency and security.
While the Red Magic 6 may appeal to hardcore gamers, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a much better choice for the vast majority of users who need a reliable, modern smartphone. The unknown specifications of the Red Magic 6 make it difficult to recommend over the Motorola.
